Improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function

ISO from 100 to 1,600

11-point TTL phase-matching autofocus (SAFOX VIII)

2.8 fps, buffer depth of 4 JPEG or 4 RAW frames

2.7 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD screen

SD / SDHC memory card

Weather and dust resistant body

(From company literature) With an easy-to-use interface housed in a compact body, the new PENTAX K200D contains all the advanced imaging technology of the award winning K10D, but is designed for users who may be unfamiliar with DSLR cameras but want a camera that will allow them grow as they learn about photography. With 10.2 megapixels and a 2.7 inch wide view LCD, this model features many of the award winning advancements of the PENTAX Series including:

Auto Picture and Scene modes that offer shooting ease, while advanced modes, such as the Sv mode, allow photographers to grow with the camera.

A weather and dust resistant body, unique in this class of cameras, that allows photographers to keep shooting even in harsh conditions.

Custom Image functions that allow users to select between six preset options and further adjust image processing, including saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness. The K200D also offers an Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast and detail in bright settings.

An improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function to pinpoint the exact location of dust particles for the photographer to remove.

A PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as macro and telephoto photography or low light settings without a flash.

“Our unique approach to building PENTAX DSLR equipment allows each customer to be confident in their camera choice whether they are just learning about photography or they are a more advanced photo enthusiast,” said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company.

“The K200D offers an easy-to-use interface while incorporating advanced imaging technology from the award winning K10D. This K200D will grow with an amateur photographer’s skill as they learn more about their hobby by offering more features than what is found in entry level models,” added Bunnell.

Still go a soft spot for this camera, and its getting used een more now I have the k5II (I'm feeling braver about using the k200d on bike rides, and walks and with out being sacrificial about it I just feel braver.)

In good light it takes very pleasing shots.

Just bought a 18-55 WR lens so this will be my day to day camera and remains a handy back up to the k5II

I also really like the Fn button that gives head start into some of the settings.

braz

Registered: June 2009Posts: 1

Pentax K200D review by braz

Review Date: 6/10/2009

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10

Pros:

Takes breath taking pictures. Perform as a semi-professional for an entry level deal

Cons:

slow on auto-focusing.

This might seems to be an entry level to many users. However it takes pictures comparable to many semi-pro DSLR. You can really compare its picture quality to K20D.

Pros:
1: 2nd LCD on top of the camera body
2: Weather and dust resistant body (well built)
3: Adapt to all Pentax lenses
4: Use of AA batteries in both body and its battery grip
5: Very affortable! Lowest I've came across was $520CDN
6: Fits very tight and firm on hand with the battery grip
7: Improved user interface. Very easy to use.
8: Very good vivid pictures compare to other brands.

Cons:
1: Slow on auto-focusing
2: Too easy to trigger the shuttler button on the battery grip while holding the camera the normal way.
3: No e-dial on the battery grip.
4: Have to go inside the menu for light metering setting.
5: Cannot display both ISO value and number of pictures left on remaining memory space
6: Top LCD does NOT lid up like the K10D and K20D

tachyon1701

Registered: May 2008Posts: 8

Pentax K200D review by tachyon1701

Review Date: 5/28/2008

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $850.00| Rating: 10

Superior features as compared to the Nikon N60, Canon 450D/Xsi, Sony A350, and Olympus E510:

1. 2nd LCD on top of camera

2. Weather and Dust Sealing

3. In-body Shake Reduction along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Rotational-axis. (Exclusive to Pentax)

4. Long battery life and use of available everywhere AA batteries

5. Shared architecture, sensor, and processor from the semi-professional Pentax K10D in a lighter and more compact body.

6. Comes with an above average 18-55mm kit lens too.

Conclusion:

Essentially a rebadged version of the internationally award winning and top-of-the-line Pentax K10D, with improvements to the processing software, a lighter and more compact body, and novice-friendly features such as Scene modes and Fully Auto shooting. Think of it as an improved top of the line K10D. If you want live-view and face recognition, go buy yourself a point & shoot instead. A semi-pro camera for the price of an entry level. An investment that will grow with the user as he learns about digital SLR photography.